Specialist helicopter to fly coronavirus cases off rigs

BP confirmed it has flown one suspected case off the Clair Ridge platform.

Oil workers with coronavirus symptoms are being flown back onshore in a specially designed helicopter amid growing concern among workers about safety.

BP confirmed its Clair Ridge platform west of Shetland and Repsol Sinopec’s Auk Alpha rig north of Aberdeen have flown workers back with symptoms.

Repsol would not confirm if they are testing workers coming on and off the rigs.

A spokesperson for BP said: “All measures for further medical assessment onshore and the individual’s safe oward travel home are in place”.

The new measure comes amid growing uncertainty for oil and gas workers who claim advice from employers has been inconsistent.

Jake Molloy of the RMT Union said: “There is a growing concern amongst our members about a lack of leadership on this.

“There are process or procedures in place to protect the workers.

“Are they screening people coming off the rigs? Are they screening people coming in?

“We have cases of workers being isolated to their cabins and told they can’t leave,

“We need to reassure people that the issue is in hand.”

Repsol Sinopec Resources UK today announced it has secured a modified S92a helicopter from its service partner, Bristow, to transfer any offshore workers displaying symptoms of coronavirus.

In a statement, BP added that one worker who showed symptoms on the Clair Ridge platform has been safely returned to shore.

Watch the Scotland Tonight special programme with Jason Leitch, Scotland’s national clinical director, answering your coronavirus health questions. It’s available now on the STV Player

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